Hi all,

Another long time reader who has now joined the board...

I've been reading all about different religions and associated esoteric practices (Kundalini Yoga, Qigong, Internal Alchemy, etc) for many years now, but I've never made the leap into actually becoming a practitioner of anything before, mainly due to my overly cautious nature, as well I was living in a small town with no local teachers to learn from. Some recent changes in my life (new job, new city, etc.) have inspired me to get off my rear and actually try something for once, so I've just started taking some tai chi/qigong lessons with a local instructor in the Healing/Univeral Tao system. Depending on which posts I read from the boards, this either means I'm embarking on a rewarding path leading to greater health and awareness, or that I'm flushing my time and money down the toilet learning ineffective practices... But how can I know without trying for myself?

Anyways, I've dedicated myself to practicing daily and sticking with it for at least one year, to see if I can accrue any of the benefits I'm looking for - right now, I'm mainly hoping to develop a more peaceful mind - I figure I'll tackle enlightenment and immortality in year two

Kind regards to everyone - looking forward to future discussions.

Welcome to the forum!

Cultivation of Chi takes time, effort, and an experienced teacher. If you've got all three, and a good dose of patience, you'll find success.

Lineage and politics play a large part in disageements over specific methods, but this is hardly unusual in any spiritual tradition, let alone one as ecclectic as Taoism. Mantak Chia mostly gets flak for his approach to sexual kung fu, but most of his detractors come from traditions that don't practice such, so go figure.

Anyway, welcome once again!

Bodhi

Hey arc, would love to know how the taichi/qigong classes go. good luck on finding your path.

Arc,

Good monicker.
Welcome.

Trunk

Thanks for the warm welcome guys - it put a smile on my face

Very much appreciated.